February 2021

n NEWS February 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com 8 ABB ROBOTICS HAS launched a condition- based maintenance (CBM) service that allows robot-users to create preventive maintenance schedules for individual robots, or fleets of them, to optimise productivity and minimise downtime. The service uses real-time data on robot operations – such as speed, acceleration, gearbox wear and duty – to help identify potential issues that could affect their performance. These variables are compared with other robots in ABB’s global database to calculate the likelihood and timeframe of potential problems. The CBM tool can advise whether remedial action is needed, involving either the repair or replacement of parts. By identifying which parts are likely to fail and when, spares can be bought and prepared without having to hold them in stock, helping users to plan their budgets and ensure that resources are available to carry out the work when needed. Previously, it has been difficult for robot users to determine whether parts such as gearboxes were becoming worn or needed replacement. Problems either remained undiagnosed until a failure occurred, or parts were purchased unnecessarily or were not available when needed, disrupting production. “By providing greater predictability around maintenance and repair schedules, our condition-based maintenance service allows customers to get the most from their installed robots,” says ABB Robotics’ head of product management, Antti Matinlauri. “Customers can now optimise their production efficiency by eliminating unexpected downtime caused by failures or delays in obtaining spare parts to fix a fault. “Users will also gain a better understanding of exactly which robots may have an increased risk of component failure,” he adds. “For example, if they are over- utilised compared to others in a production line, or if heavy payloads are causing the robot to operate outside of its recommended design parameters.” https://new.abb.com/products/robotics Condition-based maintenance service cuts robot downtime SouthernManufacturing shifts to the autumn ABB HAS OPENED a dedicated UK Drives Service Workshop (DSW) in Coalville, Leicestershire, which, it says, will result in faster VSD repairs. The company already has a network of DSWs around the world but, until now, major servicing, reconditioning or exchanges involving UK VSDs had to be orchestrated by the global DSW in Finland. The UK centre is expected to speed up services such as replacing ageing or defective components. It will also carry out failure analyses to determine the causes of faults, helping users to cut downtime. A drive hire service will install and commission VSDs temporarily to replace those being repaired. Before repairing a VSD, the DSW will carry out electrical function checks, a visual inspection and cleaning. After the repair, it will test the VSD’s functions at full load, before returning it to site with a service report. The centre will stock spare parts and offer a one-year warranty for replaced components, or two years for complete modules – subject to terms and conditions. “Our UK workshop is a dust-free environment and electrostatic discharge protected,” says ABB’s UK drives service manager, Anthony Rawson. “It offers the perfect facility to repair or fully maintain our customer’s drives. We are now well- positioned to conduct a detailed failure analysis of a faulty drive, provide premium repairs and load testing to ensure full working order when its returned to the customer. If a drive is irreparable, we will arrange disposal and recycling according to local WEEE regulations.” https://bit.ly/3ki0UVI ABB opens UK drives workshop THE ORGANISERS OF the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics show have announced that the 2021 event, previously postponed from February to April, will now take place as a two-day event on 6 and 7 October at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. The 2022 show will return to its usual dates in early February, five months later. It will be a three-day event, running from 8–10 February. The organiser, European Trade and Exhibition Services, says that many of its exhibitors and visitors have indicated their continuing strong support for the show. “Based on the feedback we’ve received, it is clear that everyone is keen to get back to normal business, providing the circumstances permit and most importantly, it is safe to do so,” says show director, Phil Valentine. “The value of face-to-face meetings at shows and events cannot be overestimated as human interaction is undeniably the cornerstone of any successful business relationship. Southern Manufacturing 2020, which took place just before the pandemic arrived, hit a record attendance of 9,256 visitors. ABB new CBM tool helps to create preventive maintenance schedules for robots based on known performance